The Difference Between One-Day Bathroom Remodels and Full Gutting

By Molly Ryan

The Difference Between One-Day Bathroom Remodels and Full Gutting

You’re brand new to bathroom remodeling, and you’re noticing a lot of different terms being thrown around. A big one is the one-day bathroom remodel, which tons of bathroom remodeling companies seem to offer. What exactly is that and how does it compare to something like a full bathroom gut and rebuild?

At ZINTEX Remodeling Group, our services align more closely with the one-day remodel than the full down-to-the-studs renovation. We know that what we offer is exactly what many homeowners are looking for, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Read on as we break down the difference between these two approaches to bathroom remodeling, from scope to cost and beyond.

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What Can Be Completed in a One-Day Bathroom Remodel?

A one-day bathroom remodel is, as the name implies, a bathroom remodel that will be completed in one day. That means that everything that needs to happen in your home, from demo to installation to cleanup, will all get done in a single day. This is a great way to upgrade your bathroom with minimal disruptions to your daily routine.

What kind of projects can actually be completed in one day? One-day remodels typically include things like:

Keep in mind that all of these can take longer than a day depending on the scope and specifics of your needs. Still, this gives you a good idea of the targeted changes you can complete in as little as a day.

How Much Does a One-Day Bathroom Remodel Cost?

One-day bathroom remodel estimates can vary widely based on the products and experience level of the company you hire and your design choices. For example, our walk-in-showers and tub-and-shower combos start at around $11,000. They can get as high as $25,000 or higher if you incorporate several premium upgrades and customizations into your design.

Photo of a bathroom with a Jacuzzi walk in shower with bench seating, grab shelves, and a glass sliding door

Who Should I Hire to Complete a One-Day Bathroom Remodel?

If you’re interested in a one-day remodel to upgrade your tub or shower area (sometimes referred to as the wet area of your bathroom), you should hire a specialty bathroom remodeling company. For example, ZINTEX Remodeling Group has been completing that exact type of remodel for over 25 years. We’re experienced, well-established, and trusted by leading manufacturers like Jacuzzi. When you’re making a targeted change, hire the best company for the job, not the company with the broadest range of services.

What Does It Mean to Gut Your Bathroom?

Now, let’s talk about gutting your bathroom, aka completing a studs-to-done or down-to-the-studs bathroom renovation. When you’re talking about a bathroom remodel of this scope, you’re talking about ripping out everything, including the walls and floors, to completely redo your bathroom structurally and aesthetically. This is about as disruptive as it can get, but it also puts you in full control of your bathroom design.

You’re probably not going to do this unless you are:

Flipping a property
Making drastic upgrades so your current home can be your forever home
Dealing with serious wear and tear, outdated plumbing and electrical, or aggressive water damage
Adding square footage to a small bathroom

This process quite literally turns your bathroom (and possibly the surrounding areas) into a construction site. Most homeowners and their families will relocate until this type of remodel is done.

How Much Does a Down-to-the-Studs Bathroom Remodel Cost?

The cost of a down-to-the-studs bathroom remodel will vary based on things like the square footage of your bathroom and the level of structural upgrades you need. On average, this type of remodel starts at $30,000 but can reach a price range of $100,000 or higher.

The final estimate will also reflect the products and materials you use for your vanity, flooring, shower, and more. You can keep costs lower with mid-range options like acrylic shower walls, or you can lean into luxury with high-priced natural stone.

Who Should I Hire to Complete a Full Bathroom Renovation?

If you’re looking to bring your bathroom down to the studs and rebuild from scratch, you’re probably going to need a general contractor. General contractors typically subcontract a variety of licensed professionals such as plumbers, electricians, and builders, and oversee more complex projects.

One-Day Remodel vs. Full Bathroom Gutting

A SIDE-BY-SIDE LOOK.

FEATURE

One-Day Remodel

Full Bathroom Gutting

Scope

Focused on one key area, like the tub or shower

Inclusive of all bathroom features, from floor to ceiling

Layout Changes

Optional (e.g., moving your tub or expanding your shower footprint) but not common

Typical

Structural Upgrades

As-needed in the focus area (e.g., new drain or repaired subfloor)

Typical

Resale Value

70-80%

55-60%

Design Cohesion

May require additional changes (e.g., new vanity hardware to match your new shower hardware)

Typical

Timeline

3-8 weeks of lead time, 1-2 days of install time

6-12 weeks of lead time, 1-4 weeks of install time

Scope

Focused on one key area, like the tub or shower

Layout Changes

Optional (e.g., moving your tub or expanding your shower footprint) but not common

Structural Upgrades

As-needed in the focus area (e.g., new drain or repaired subfloor)

Resale Value

70-80%

Design Cohesion

May require additional changes (e.g., new vanity hardware to match your new shower hardware)

Timeline

3-8 weeks of lead time, 1-2 days of install time

Scope

Inclusive of all bathroom features, from floor to ceiling

Layout Changes

Typical

Structural Upgrades

Typical

Resale Value

55-60%

Design Cohesion

Typical

Timeline

6-12 weeks of lead time, 1-4 weeks of install time

Is a One-Day Bathroom Remodel What You’re Looking For? ZINTEX Can Help

The vast majority of homeowners aren’t looking for something quite as major as a full gut and rebuild. Something smaller in scope, like a new tub or shower, can often do the trick. If a one-day bathroom remodel sounds more aligned with your goals, ZINTEX might be the group for you.

ZINTEX Remodeling Group has specialized in bathroom remodeling services like bathtub replacements and tub-to-shower conversions for over 25 years. Watch this short video to learn more about ZINTEX: Answering the Top 8 Bathroom Remodeling Questions.

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